HC Deb 06 April 1927 vol 204 c2073
91. Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government has approached or been approached by the Governments of any foreign States possessing important mercantile marines with a view to investigating the possibility of joint action in restricting the hours of labour on board ship; and, if not, is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to take any action towards securing such joint action?

Sir B. CHADWICK

A foreign Government expressed the opinion last year that the question of the international regulation of hours of labour at sea might usefully be discussed by an International Labour Conference, and the matter was discussed by the governing body of the International Labour Office recently. His Majesty's Government are of opinion that such part of this question as requires to be dealt with should be settled nationally by agreement between employers and employed, before embarking on an international discussion.